Here we are at Chapter 15 and the final chapter for the story. While not one of my more popular stories, I had a lot of fun writing this one, and that was my main goal. Now that the Nightmare drama is over, Teams KEPL and RWBY can finally focus on becoming huntsmen and huntresses at Beacon. I do not own RWBY Ice Queendom. They belong to their respective owners. I only own my OCs. Here's chapter 15. Enjoy.
Chapter 15: Best Day Ever
The fiasco with the Nightmare has finally been resolved. With both Weiss and Blake back to normal, Teams RWBY and KEPL can finally relax a bit, as much as is allowed at Beacon Academy. It had certainly been a daunting task for both teams and their friends. In their dorm room, Team KEPL are working on their own activities. Lloyd is reading a comic book, Porphyrius is working on some schoolwork, but Khazhak is looking out their window with Reaper behind him.
"From her eyes, you say?" Khazhak asks, not looking back at Reaper.
Reaper nods, "Indeed. The Nightmare had her in its grasp, but then a bright, white light erupted from her eyes and obliterated it in seconds. It definitely wasn't her semblance, and it didn't feel like an extension of her aura. It felt different... Very different. I have no idea what that was,"
Khazhak strokes his chin, "And did Ruby say anything about this?"
Reaper shakes his head, "No, in fact, she has no recollection of it. I thought it best not to say anything right now. Maybe a side effect of using that power?"
Khazhak hums, "From her eyes..." he mutters, but then remembers something Ozpin said on the night the three of them met. "Ruby Rose... Silver Eyes... Just like your mothers," he looks up out the window as the sun is setting. "Silver Eyes huh..." he then looks down at his left hand, thinking about his duel with Negative Weiss. "Could it be similar to that technique I used before? I haven't been able to replicate it. Perhaps it was in the heat of the moment, but it certainly felt different. It felt... older,"
These thoughts plague Khazhak, while his teammates focus on another matter.
"So, Porphyrius, what was it like to finally fly, huh?" Lloyd asks, gaining the other three's attention.
Porphyrius puts down his pencil and thinks a moment, "I never had the chance to fly with my real wings. To be honest, I never thought I would fly again. To be able to fly, even if only in that dream... It was breathtaking. It sucks it was only that one time, but at least now I know what it felt like," he allows a small smile on his face.
"Well, it's good you had that chance, Porphyrius. Perhaps Weiss isn't so bad after all," Reaper says.
"Yeah... you're probably right," Porphyrius mutters in thought.
…
The next day, after classes are done, Khazhak pulls Weiss to the side to have a talk at a school balcony. He looks out into the distance while Weiss looks a bit nervous.
"You certainly caused your team quite a bit of trouble with this past incident, Weiss," Khazhak notes, making Weiss groan in shame. "And though it was the Nightmare's doing, you still said some very hurtful things to them. Tell me, do you think you are a true huntress after this event? Or the best teammate to your leader and team?" he glances at her.
Weiss frowns, "No... This has all made me realize that I have a lot to learn. And I have failed in many ways. I was so sure of myself, but in the end, I was the one holding myself back. And that nearly costed me my life, and my friends' lives,"
Khazhak faces her now, "Even now, your father still has a hold on you. I saw it in your dream. I asked you once before, Weiss: will you be the next Nicholas Schnee or the next Jacques Schnee? Do you have an answer?"
Weiss glances away, "I... I don't-,"
"There is a third option, however. You can either be the next Nicholas Schnee, the next Jacques Schnee, or... you could be the first, last, and only Weiss Schnee," Khazhak says, gaining her attention. "But, that begs the question: who is Weiss Schnee? Do you know?"
Weiss holds her hands together, "I... don't think I do,"
"Then that's fine. If you don't know, then find out. Find out who Weiss Schnee is, and what kind of person she wants to be. What you want to be. But, if that proves too difficult for you to handle alone..." he looks to the side, prompting her to do the same and see their teammates waiting for them. "You can find out with your teammates. With your friends. It won't be easy, but together, you won't fail,"
Weiss smiles at all of them, "You're right. Just like a lot of times. Thank you, Khazhak. I will find out exactly the kind of person I want to be. One thing I do know is that I want to be the kind of person that protects those precious to her. That can hold her head high and look herself in the mirror and not feel shame," she says, making him nod in reply.
"Weiss," Porphyrius walks up. "Though it was only in your dream, I had my wings again. For the first time in my life, I could actually fly. You gave me that chance. I will never forgive your father. I will never stop hating him, but... you're not your father. So, I just wanted to say... thank you. Can we be friends too?" he holds out a hand.
Weiss smiles and shakes his hand, "I'd like that a lot, Porphyrius. Friends. And I make you this promise. If I find out that my father really was responsible for what happened to you and your family, I promise to do everything in my power to help you take him down,"
"Are you sure? He is still your father," Porphyrius asks.
"My father never cared about anyone other than himself. He has dragged the good name of my family through the mud, destroying the honor that my grandfather built. I will restore my family name, but I will do it my way. Even if it means going against him. I won't back down from this," Weiss replies resolutely.
Porphyrius smirks, "I'm sure your grandfather would be proud of you," his words make Weiss smile more.
…
An airship touches down on the landing platform. Away from it, Shion prepares to leave with Professor Ozpin, Goodwitch, and Teams RWBY, KEPL, and JNPR to see her off.
"When my training began long ago, I learned that my semblance could read people's hearts. Every heart has both light and darkness within it. But neither one truly represents that person as a whole. The heart is far more than that. I finally learned about that thanks to what I learned here at Beacon. When I came into contact with the Nightmare grimm the first time, my semblance evolved in ways I could not have predicted. It created the power to defeat the grimm that possess people's hearts," Shion explains.
"Your semblance evolved?" Ruby asks.
Shion nods, "Indeed. I also learned that Nightmares are attracted to people who have strong auras, but unstable emotions and personalities. You could say those individuals have a lot of potential and skill," Shion says.
Yang nudges Weiss' arm, "Hey, hear that, Weiss. You have a lot of potential and skill," she jokes.
Weiss groans, "Would you please stop? I'm embarrassed enough as it is,"
"That makes two of us," Porphyrius sighs.
Lloyd snickers, "Yeah, you're definitely 'Mr. Personality' here,"
"As you all continue to change and grow, your semblances will evolve alongside your auras. Strengthening you on your way to becoming true huntsmen and huntresses. Teams RWBY, KEPL and JNPR... You are all amazing teams. I look forward to seeing you all grow and seeing what kind of warriors you will become in the future," Shion says.
Ruby steps up, "Thank you, Professor Shion. We'll all work hard and use what you taught us to be the best huntsmen and huntresses we can be,"
Khazhak joins her, "And use our skills and knowledge to protect the people of Remnant from any who would wish harm upon them. I swear it,"
Shion smiles, "Good. I believe in you all,"
"Can we safely assume there are no other Nightmares in the area, Shion?" Ozpin asks.
"Yes. My job here is done," Shion replies.
"I wish you well and hope you'll find your own happiness on your way, Shion Zaiden," Ozpin says.
Shion smirks before leaving and boarding the airship before it takes off.
Ozpin turns to the students, "Ruby, Khazhak, and Blake. I'd like to speak with the three of you in my office. Will you come with me?" he says, getting curious looks from them.
…
Ozpin speaks to Ruby first while the rest of their team and Team KEPL wait for her. After speaking with them, Khazhak goes up next and heads up and meets Ozpin in his office.
"You wanted to speak with me, Professor Ozpin?" Khazhak asks.
Ozpin remains in his seat, "Yes. First, I wanted to congratulate you on defeating the Nightmare and saving your friends,"
"I didn't do it alone. I had my comrades, my friends, by my side," Khazhak replies.
"Indeed. You all worked hard and succeeded in a difficult mission. But tell me this, when you fought in the dream, did you encounter any sort of... power within it?" Ozpin asks.
Khazhak barely narrows his eyes, "What do you mean?"
"I mean abilities that were unlike semblances, or even auras. Something far greater," Ozpin clarifies.
Khazhak remains silent for a moment, "...I'm afraid not. I had the strength of my semblance, my aura, my skills, but most of all, I had the strength of my friends by my side. That is what got me through the Nightmare's machinations," he replies. "Is he referring to that technique I used in the dream?"
Opzin stares at him, "Very well. You have incredible skill and experience, Khazhak Rairyu. More so than most of your class. I know that world has been harsh to you, but I hope you will still find some good in it. And use your power alongside us to protect the people and the peace that we hold dear. I know that you have done things that many would say are... questionable. I can't say I agree, but at the same time, I won't fault you either. We work in the darkness to serve the light. That is what it means to be huntsmen,"
"On that we can agree. I'm no hero, but I will protect the people. If for no other reason so that they don't suffer as I have suffered," Khazhak replies.
"Thank you. You may return to your friends now," Ozpin replies, and Khazhak takes his leave. "...So, do you think he unlocked it, or is aware of his power yet?"
A young girl with long black hair, golden eyes, and wearing white and gold clothing emerges from the shadows.
"I don't know. He hasn't fully unlocked it yet. Of that, I'm certain. But, I still felt it, even if only for a moment. It won't be long now... before he unlocks the Dragon Spirit," the girl says.
"Are you sure you don't wish to speak with him? You have been separated for such a long time. I know how much you miss him," Ozpin asks.
The girl raises a hand to her chest, "No, at least, not yet. It's not the right time. But, soon. For now, I'm just happy he's alive and has friends by his side,"
"Very well. But, hopefully one day, you can mend your relationship with him, Voshkie'ahk Ryukado," Ozpin says.
Voshkie'ahk stares at the elevator, "We will see each other again, Khazhak. I promise. Just wait a little longer... big brother,"
…
After Khazhak returns to the others, Blake goes up next, saying that she'll meet with the others in town at the café. A short period later, she returns only to find Weiss, Porphyrius, and Reaper waiting for her. They end up going into town together on their way to the others, with Blake explaining what she and Ozpin discussed.
"It's highly likely that he knows you were once a part of the White Fang. He doesn't strike me as the type to be oblivious," Reaper notes.
"The Professor might understand my plight, but I doubt the rest of the school would be so forgiving. I'm afraid that if they discover I was once a member of the White Fang, they might expel me or worse," Blake says.
Weiss glances down, "Your teammates would never let that happen to you,"
"She's right. I'm sure Ozpin knows what our team has done in the past. And our past actions, even if for the right reasons, are far worse than yours, Blake. We've got far more blood on our hands than you. And yet, we're still here. We got your back, so don't be so down on it," Porphyrius says.
"However," Weiss stands in front of Blake, stopping them. "You have to promise all of us that after you graduate, you will not return to the White Fang,"
Blake gasps, "No, never! I have no desire to return to them,"
"You won't use what you learned here to help them do even more bad things?" Weiss interrogates her.
"No, one thing Professor Ozpin and I can agree on is that we both want peace. What the White Fang wants now... isn't what I want," Blake replies.
"It's the same for me. I won't just let the crimes of my family's company slide. I know I still have a lot to learn, have little power, and still have a few issues, but... one day, I will make this world into a better place. A place where people won't go through the suffering people like you and Porphyrius went through. When that time comes, let's change the world for the better," Weiss declares.
"Well, don't forget about us. We share the same goal. This world, though imperfect, is worth protecting. To make things better, just like Ruby said. So that one day people like Khazhak, like the rest of us, won't be needed anymore," Reaper says.
"Yeah, no more families being ripped apart. That sounds like a pretty good place to me," Porphyrius nods.
Blake is surprised by Weiss' declaration, "You've changed, haven't you,"
Weiss shrugs her shoulders, "Well, I know I don't want to fight you again,"
"You actually remember that?" Blake asks.
"I remember enough to get the picture. Even though I'd rather not. Oh, this is still so embarrassing. Please, just forget that ever happened, I beg of you!" Weiss pouts, covering her face in embarrassment.
The scene makes the other three smile.
…
At the café, Ruby, Yang, Lloyd, and Khazhak are at a table with some pancakes and coffee, and some tea for the latter. Ruby uses her syrup to make a smiley face on her pancakes while Yang smiles on, Khazhak sips his tea, and Lloyd is practically scarfing down his pancakes.
"Table manners, Lloyd," Khazhak reminds him.
Lloyd swallows his food, "Sorry,"
Khazhak looks at Ruby, "As I recollect, you were much more nervous about skipping ahead two years and coming to Beacon,"
"Wair, was I really?" Ruby doesn't understand.
Yang smiles and leans back, "I'm gonna stand out too much. Why did I come here when I barely know anybody. It was basically like that. All I need is my sweetheart, Crescent Rose," Yang acts all dramatic.
"Well, how was I supposed to take it? I was the youngest one here. You were really mean, Yang. Acting like you didn't want to be on my team," Ruby pouts.
"I don't remember it being like that. And you two ended up on the same team anyway," Lloyd notes.
"He's right. No use moping about it now, especially after everything that happened afterwards," Khazhak adds.
Ruby frowns, "Hey, when we were in Weiss' dream, I'll have you know I kicked some serious butt when you were gone,"
"Really, I only remember you getting your butt kicked," Khazhak smirks, earning a pouting glare from Ruby.
"Shut up, this is my moment. More importantly, I will make a bunch more friends at school," Ruby says, making Khazhak chuckle. Before she eats her pancakes.
Yang just smiles, "I'm happy for you, Ruby,"
"I get it. You don't believe me, do you." Ruby accuses her sister.
"Now, now, calm down, little rose," Khazhak says.
"Hey, there!" they look to see Sun walking up to them. "It's the halves of Teams RWBY and KEPL. How's it going?" he greets them.
"Sun," Khazhak nods his head in greeting.
"What's up?" Lloyd waves.
"Hey Sun," Yang says.
"How's it going?" Ruby replies.
"So, where's the rest of your teams? Or is it just you guys?" Sun asks.
"We're waiting for the rest of our teams, and possibly Team JNPR to join us," Khazhak replies.
"Um, are you always alone, no offense?" Lloyd asks.
"None taken. And I do have a few friends of my own. I just got here ahead of them. They'll be here soon. Actually, I'd love to introduce you guys," Sun says.
"Yay, more friends!" Ruby cheers while Yang just chuckles nervously.
Just then, the rest of their teams join them, "And are these friends of yours... decent?" Weiss asks.
"Now, now, Weiss. We haven't even met them yet. Though, you are improving," Reaper says.
"Hey, about time you guys showed up," Lloyd says.
"What perfect timing," Weiss sits at the table next to theirs. "Why don't you sit with us so we can talk for a little bit?" she offers, surprising them.
"Hold on. You're okay with sitting next to a Faunus?" Yang asks.
"Of course, I am. Have I ever said anything otherwise?" Weiss politely retorts, making them glance at each other.
In the end, Weiss, Blake, Reaper, Porphyrius, and Sun sit down together next to Ruby and Khazhak's table. They spend the next few minutes explaining Blake's situation to Sun.
"So, now you know. For now, we'd appreciate it if you would tell anyone about Blake being a Faunus, or a former member of the White Fang," Reaper asks.
"Sure, I don't mind. But, is it really that serious?" Sun asks.
"Please Sun. Right now, I just want to start over and walk down a better path," Blake pleads.
"And in exchange, we won't have you arrested for stowing away on that ship," Porphyrius adds.
"Okay, if Blake wants me to, then I won't say anything. Not even to my friends," Sun replies.
"You have friends?" Blake says.
"Hey, that hurt," Sun groans.
"Sun has his own team. He wants to introduce us when they arrive in Vale," Khazhak explains.
"I hope you guys can become friends with them. It might sound weird coming from me, but they're all total hotties. I know you guys will like them," Sun smirks.
"Oooh, how interesting," Yang likes the sound of that.
"Um, I have my doubts," Weiss isn't so optimistic.
"Rub it in, why don't ya," Reaper glances away.
"Hey, where's Team JNPR by the way?" Blake asks.
"We invited them, but they're busy helping Jaune with his training," Ruby sags in her chair.
"Understandable. Out of the twelve of us, he has the most work to do if he's going to catch up. At least he's taking it seriously. Only time will tell if his efforts bear fruit," Khazhak says.
"I don't think I'll ever understand Pyrrha's interest in him. She could've teamed up with someone else instead," Weiss claims.
Ruby pout, "You really would rather be on Pyrrha's team than mine?"
Weiss sees her mistake, "No, that's not what I-,"
"Or maybe, we should trade Weiss for someone from Team JNPR. I doubt Team KEPL would want to split up, so that just leaves them," Yang jokes.
"That's not what I was talking about!" Weiss retorts.
"It doesn't matter. I will do everything in my power to make this team the best at Beacon. I won't let you back in, even if you begged me, Weiss," Ruby leans across the table to get in Weiss' face.
"Dramatic much," Lloyd mutters flatly.
"And when have I ever said that I wanted to quit our team, Ruby?" Weiss calmly retorts.
Weiss and Ruby glare at each other while the others smirk or just watch. A moment later, Weiss, Yang, Ruby, and Lloyd laugh while the rest of Team KEPL just smile.
Sun notices Blake staring at them, "Let me guess, you're more the strong, silent type?"
Blake shakes her head, "No, that's not it. I was alone before I came here. I'm still getting used to it, but... they're great. I trust my team," Blake says and smiles.
Ruby pulls out her scroll and takes a selfie with her team and Team KEPL in it.
…
Sometime has passed since then, and the two week break from school is about to end. In the cafeteria at Beacon, all the students are back in uniform and having a meal, even though classes haven't officially begun yet. At one table, Team RWBY sits across from team KEPL, having breakfast. In her seat, Blake is reading over someone with such concentration that she barely notices Yang lean up next to her.
"Whatcha reading?" Yang asks, making Blake quickly close her book.
"Nothing... Just notes from last semester," Blake lies.
"Oh, you sure it's not something secret?" Yang teases her.
"N-No, that's not it!" Blake stutters.
"You're not helping your case, Blake," Khazhak says while eating his meal.
Just then, a piece of food comes flying in. Khazhak leans his head to the right without looking and it passes by, ending up in Yang's mouth. Yang gives a thumbs up and they all look back at the table behind them, where Team JNPR are, with Nora as the culprit.
"Yang, don't play with your food, please," Weiss says.
Blake notices someone missing, "Hey, anyone seen Ruby?"
"I think she said she was working on something," Weiss notes.
Suddenly, a very large binder filled with an excess of papers lands on their table, causing all their eyes to turn to the culprit, Ruby. On the front of the binder, it shows 'Vytal Festival Activities, Property of Weiss Schnee' scratched off in red marker and replaced with 'Best Day Ever Activities' written big in red marker.
"Uh oh," Porphyrius mutters.
"My dear sister. My dear friends. And I guess... Weiss," Ruby says.
"Hey!" Weiss retorts at the jab.
"This should be interesting," Yang notices.
"As the leader of Team RWBY, I had a great idea. Our two-week break is about to end and a new semester will soon begin. So, I say we should work together with Teams KEPL and JNPR to have the best fun day anyone has ever had. EVER!" Ruby cheers.
"I always start my semesters with a 'Yang'. Right, get it guys," Yang jokes, much to her friends' dismay.
"That was terrible, Yang," Khazhak groans before leaning to the side as an apple flies by and hits her in the face.
Yang sees it was Nora's doing and throws an apple back in response. The two stand up and start throwing food at each other, while the members of Team KEPL calmly move their heads left and right to avoid the food.
Weiss looks at the binder and sees her name on it, "Hey, is that my binder?"
Ruby flashes the double peace sign, "I am not a crook. I wrote up a an amazing, fun plan in it,"
Weiss stands up, "Hey, I didn't give you permission to-," she stops when a pie flies into her face, making her team gasp.
They all look back at Nora, with her arm out, Ren facepalming, and Pyrrha and Jaune looking shocked.
"That's going too far, Nora," Ren groans.
"Oh no," Khazhak mutters.
"I have a suggestion. Why don't we start a brand new tradition of Beacon, right here in the cafeteria?" Weiss suggests as pie leaks off her face.
"A tradition?" Ruby asks.
"Oh, I remember Dad telling us about this before," Yang says.
"Um, what tradition?" Reaper asks.
Weiss slams her hands on the table, making food fly up and catching two apples in her hands.
"It's a food fight! You ready?!" Weiss declares.
Teams RWBY and JNPR smirk, but Khazhak doesn't look so thrilled, "I'll pass, thank you. I have better things to do than to-," he stops when an apple explodes in his face. Weiss smirks, while his team freezes. Khazhak slowly scrapes the food off his face and glares at Weiss. "You're dead, Ice Queen,"
"Hey, we're in on this too!" Jaune declares, and the three teams face off.
Outside the cafeteria, Ozpin and Goodwitch see students running away and some food flying. Back inside, Team JNPR created a makeshift castle of table and vending machines. Off to the other side, Team RWBY pump their fists, while in the middle is Team KEPL as they crack their knuckles. Nora jumps up and lands on a table, sending several watermelons flying. Sahe and her team send them all towards the other teams. Yang wears a pair of turkeys like boxing gloves and charges forth, smashing the watermelons as they get close. Khazhak wields a pair of baguettes, swinging them at any watermelons that get close. Yang fires off the turkeys at him, but Khazhak leans back to dodge and they go flying into Jaune. Pyrrha comes in, wielding a long baguette as she closes in on him. Khazhak glances back, seeing Blake with a pair like his. He swings his baguettes out, blocking both of their strikes. A long string of hotdogs comes out, wrapping around Pyrrha's waist. She sees Reaper as he pulls hard on the hotdog rope and sends her flying back while Khazhak kicks back Blake. Off to the side, Weiss grabs a swordfish and wield like her rapier, charging at Nora who has a metal staff with a watermelon on the end as a hammer. Nora twirls her hammer around, swinging it down to meet Weiss' charge.
However, before they continue, Loyd crashes down on them, wielding a set of kitchen knives in between his fingers. Nora swings her watermelon hammer, but Lloyd parries it and nearly hits Weiss. Weiss jumps back, but then rolls to the side to avoid some leeks coming down at her. She looks up as Ren is in the air, firing several leeks at her. Ruby flies in, batting them away with a food tray. Both then jump back when Porphyrius and Khazhak land in between them. Ren goes on the attack, but Porphyrius throws up a boat load of French fries which Khazhak smacks and sends them flying like bullets at Ren with his baguettes. The onslaught sends Ren flying back. Ruby goes to attack, but Nora appears above her and smashes her hammer down on her, releasing a massive shockwave that knocks Ruby into a few tables. As Ruby opens her eyes, she sees Khazhak duking it out with Pyrrha and Blake, Lloyd fighting Weiss and Nora, and Reaper and Porphyrius fighting Yang and Ren. The scene makes her smile.
...Through battle, humankind conquered life. But even the most brilliant lights eventually flicker and die. And when they are gone, darkness will return. So, you may prepare your guardians, but take heed, there will be no victory in strength...
Khazhak pushes Blake and Pyrrha back, "Hey, Ruby!" he throws up a soda can.
Ruby gets a running start and then uses her semblance to fly up to a metal pull from the wall that she rips out and throws at the soda can, causing an explosion of soda pop.
...But perhaps victory lies in the simpler things. Things long forgotten. Things that require a smaller, more honest soul... And even if that smaller, more honest soul should struggle, they only need turn to the soul standing next to them. A batter soul that has struggled, that has suffered... but has an unwavering resolve... The resolve to keep moving forward...
As the members of Teams RWBY and KEPL gather together, Khazhak stares at Ruby and for the first time in a long while... allows a genuine smile on his face. The two teams, the eight friends covered in food, all laugh and smile... Together.
The End
And that's the chapter and the end of the story. Again, I had a lot of fun writing this one. As far as the food fight goes, I like the original more in terms of action scenes, but I like this one more in terms of OST and pure emotion, especially with Ozpin's speech mixed in. I'm glad they put that in this spin-off. Now, I'm gonna start working on a RWBY KEPL version of the RWBY x Justice League crossover movie, so look forward to that. I don't care what anyone says, I will always love RWBY and I will always believe in it. It means so much to me. And I will always Keep Moving Forward. Until next time, please Read and Review.
